Hoi An has options for snorkeling, scuba-diving, scuba-training and ocean floor walking, so there’s plenty to entertain underwater enthusiasts! Just off Hoi An lie the Cham Islands, which have their own coral reef, so many diving-related Hoi An tours are based there. Underwater tours often form part of a wider day tour, which might include a boat trip, beach time and food. Non-divers can take in the reef wonderland by dropping to the ocean floor with SeaTrek’s Underwater Walking Tour. You don’t even have to be able to swim!
Most diving tours start from Cua Dai Port about 15–20 km from the Cham Islands. Key tour operators fall into two groups: dedicated dive centers and general Cham Island snorkeling/boat-tour companies while SeaTrek’s Underwater Walking Tour offers a unique third category.
1. Cham Island Diving Center / Hoi An Diving Center
Cham Island Diving Center is one of the longest-running and best-known dive operators in Hoi An. They run boat trips from Hoi An/Cua Dai to the Cham Islands and offer:
- Certified-fun dives, usually 2 dives on a day trip
- Try-dives / Discover Scuba-style experiences for beginners
- Snorkeling trips for non-divers
- PADI-style training courses, depending on season and instructor availability
- Sometimes overnight or island-stay packages
Best for: travelers who specifically want scuba diving with a dedicated dive operator rather than a general island tour.
2. Blue Coral Diving
Blue Coral Diving is another Hoi An-based dive operator with many years’ experience of Cham Island day trips. They typically offer:
- Scuba diving for certified divers
- Introductory dives for beginners
- Snorkeling-only options
- Dive courses or refresher dives, depending on season
Best for: small-group scuba or mixed groups where some people dive and others snorkel.
3. Sea Trek Vietnam / Cham Island Sea Trekking
This is not traditional scuba diving. It offers helmet sea-walking, where guests walk underwater wearing an air-supplied helmet. Tours often include speedboat transport, snorkeling, lunch, and time on Cham Island.
Best for: non-swimmers, families, or people who want an underwater experience without scuba certification.
4. General Cham Island snorkeling tour operators
Many Hoi An travel agencies sell Cham Island snorkeling day tours. These are usually speedboat tours including:
- Hotel pickup in Hoi An or Da Nang
- Transfer to Cửa Đại pier
- Speedboat to Cham Island
- One snorkeling stop
- Beach time and seafood/local lunch
- Visit to Bai Lang, Bai Chong, or nearby beaches
Examples include local Hoi An tour agencies, hotel tour desks, and regional operators selling “Cham Island snorkeling tour” packages.
Best for: budget travelers, families, or people who mainly want a beach/island day with light snorkeling rather than serious diving.
What to expect
- Season: Best conditions are usually around March/April to September, with the calmest seas often in summer. Trips may stop or be unreliable during the stormy monsoon period, roughly October to February.
- Visibility: Often modest compared with major dive destinations in Thailand, Indonesia, or the Philippines. Expect variable visibility.
- Marine life: Hard and soft corals, reef fish, nudibranchs, small tropical species; generally easy, shallow diving.
- Dive level: Good for beginners, refreshers, and casual divers, but not a world-class advanced dive destination.
Quick Recommendation
If you want proper scuba diving, contact Cham Island Diving Center/Hoi An Diving Center or Blue Coral Diving directly. If you only want an easy island day with snorkeling, a standard Cham Island snorkeling tour through a hotel or local agency is usually enough. For a non-diving underwater activity, look at Sea Trek Vietnam.
